The project and funding will be spread over a 5 year period beginning in 2008. The project will consist of controlling and eradicating Tamarix (Salt Cedar) along Muddy Creek, Blacksfork River, and their tributaries. The project will be labor intensive. The project will consist of individual spot treatments spraying of the seedling, young and mature salt cedar plants, and cutting (chain saw or other methods of cutting down) the larger mature salt cedar plants and swabbing the stumps with herbicides. Herbicides used need to be on the BLM approved chemical list and label followed for applications. The herbicides are most effective when a colorant is used to mark plants treated and a penetrating oil used with the herbicide. The project will increase water supply and support the fisheries along both streams.
Tamarix (Salt Cedar) stands form a monoculture which severely limits wildlife diversity and a key forage plant species. Large plants can transpire as much as 200 gallons of water per day and will often dry up ponds and streams. By controlling the salt cedar this will benefit the water resource as well as allow desirable plant species to get established that are better utilized by grazing animals and wildlife species.
2008 Update: This project reduces the spread of noxious weeds (tamarix) and other invasive species, thereby limiting the competition for resources and increasing the success of native plant populations. 193 miles of stream were treated, more than the 40 miles planned for 2008. Additional miles were achieved due to additional funding provided by partners ($10,000 from the conservation district and $10,000 from the county) in support of this project, and the dedication and availability of the weed and pest district staff. The project will increase water supply and support the fisheries along both streams and for downstream T&E species, and help achieve Standards for Healthy Rangelands. This is potential threatened Western yellow-billed cuckoo habitat and is also home to deer, antelope, and many other wildlife species.
2009 Update: This project involves the removal of tamarix (salt cedar) along Muddy Creek and the Blacks Fork Streams to improve and restore wetland and stream riparian areas. This project began in 2008 with plans to be implemented over a 5 year period. The project will consist of controlling and eradicating tamarix along Muddy Creek and the Blacks Fork River, and their tributaries. Control measures include spraying of the seedling, young and mature salt cedar plants, and cutting (chain saw or other methods) the larger mature salt cedar plants and swabbing the stumps with herbicides. This project will increase water supply, support fisheries, and support a more productive riparian zone. In addition, this project will reduce the fragmentation of riparian habitat and improve the riparian corridor for numerous wildlife species. This work will be accomplished through a contract between BLM and the Uinta County Weed and Pest District. This project started in 2008 and is planned to continue through 2012. The USGS and The Nature Conservancy are collaborating together to developing maps that identify and prioritize tamarix stands on Muddy Creek and Blacks Fork River.
2010 Update: Retreatment of last year’s spray areas and continuation of the project on the Blacks Fork River. Area treated consists of all of Uinta County, Lincoln County to approximately 2 miles from the Sweetwater County line. 124.5 Acres of Tamarix were treated on, BLM, State and Private lands from I-80 north on the Blacks Fork River. Planting of 190 seedling trees along the Smiths Fork River in efforts to rehabilitate riparian habitat.
2011 Update: 72.75 acres of Salt cedar treated 11/10 on Cottonwood, Sage Creek, Dry Creek, Crooked Creek and Muddy Creek by Uinta County Weed and Pest. 2011 treatment will start approximately September 21 on the Blacks Fork by Headwater Weed Control. Uinta County Weed and Pest will continue work on tributaries feeding into the Blacks Fork. 500 seedling trees were planted along the Blacks Fork River in the Spring of 2011 by the weed and Pest crew. Lat long recorded.
